ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Taaleem Holdings has signed two strategic financing agreements with Emirates Islamic valued at a combined Dh968 million to support its expansion plans.
The first facility, worth Dh730 million, will back Taaleem’s recent acquisition of a majority stake in Kids First Group, which operates 34 premium nurseries across the UAE and Qatar. The move expands Taaleem’s presence into the early childhood education sector, complementing its existing K-12 portfolio.
A second agreement, valued at Dh238 million, will finance the construction of a new Harrow School in Abu Dhabi. Taaleem holds exclusive rights to operate Harrow Schools across the GCC, and the project will mark its entry into the super-premium education segment.
Alan Williamson, CEO of Taaleem Holdings, said: “This partnership with Emirates Islamic represents a powerful alignment of values and vision. By joining forces with a pioneer in ethical and Shari’ah-compliant finance, we are not only strengthening our capacity to invest in the future but also reaffirming our mission to deliver world-class education.”
Mohammad Kamran Wajid, Deputy CEO of Emirates Islamic, said: “We are proud to sign two financing agreements with Taaleem Holding to enhance and support its expansion strategies. Education is a key driver of economic growth and fosters global competitiveness. Taaleem is raising the bar with respect to super-premium and early years education.”
The agreements highlight Emirates Islamic’s focus on supporting investments that contribute to the UAE’s knowledge-based economy, in line with the National Strategy of Higher Education 2030.
Taaleem, listed on the Dubai Financial Market, operates 38 schools with a student body of over 41,000, while Emirates Islamic, part of Emirates NBD Group, has a network of 40 branches and 229 ATMs and CDMs across the UAE.